Portable cushion tray

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/570,468, filed on Aug. 9, 2012, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/524,229, filed on Aug. 16, 2011. The entire disclosures of the above application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0002The present disclosure relates to furniture accessories and, more particularly, to a portable cushion tray for use with furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0003A couch or sofa is commonly found in homes. The typical couch can have a central console or fold down fixture, which may include cup holders or compartments for storing objects such as remote controls. However, the presence of the console or fold down fixture can undesirably limit the uses and number of persons who the couch may accommodate. A convenient location for placing food and other objects such as books and computers is also not provided by known furniture accessories.

0004There is a continuing need for a furniture accessory that may be used both as a cushion, and as a working surface for holding objects. Desirably, the furniture accessory is lightweight, easy to carry, simple to use, and straightforward to store.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0005In concordance with the instant disclosure, a furniture accessory that may be used both as a cushion, and as a working surface for holding objects, and which is lightweight, easy to carry, simple to use, and straightforward to store, is surprisingly discovered.

0006The present disclosure includes a portable cushion tray having a hard top and a cushion bottom. The portable cushion tray is an alternative to the fold down on couches. The hard top may have a dual purpose cup holder to accommodate cups, mugs, cans, glasses, etc. The portable cushion tray may also have a fluted joint to receive pencils, pens, etc. Optionally, the portable cushion tray has a hidden compartment for holding objects. The portable cushion tray can be manufactured to match a pattern and a style of any couch, love seat, chair, or other piece of furniture.

0007Advantageously, the portable cushion tray, instead of being stationary, can be moved easily to any location on the furniture and used as either a pillow or as a working surface. Moreover, the uses of the portable cushion tray are not limited to furniture, as the portable cushion tray may be used anywhere both a tray and a cushion are desired.

0008In one embodiment, a portable cushion tray includes a tray having a first maximum perimeter and a cushion having a second maximum perimeter. The cushion is coupled to the tray. The first maximum perimeter is one of the same as the second maximum perimeter and disposed inside of the second maximum perimeter.

0009In another embodiment, a furniture system includes a furniture piece having the portable cushion tray disposed thereon.

0010In a further embodiment, a portable cushion tray has formed therein an elongate fluted joint configured to hold a writing instrument. The tray further including a first aperture configured to hold a beverage container. The cushion includes an upholstery material enveloping a filler. The portable cushion tray also includes a holder for a beverage container and a backer board. The holder includes a flange. The backer board is disposed between the upholstery material and the tray. The backer board has a third maximum perimeter. The third maximum perimeter is one of the same as the first maximum perimeter and disposed inside of the first maximum perimeter. The backer board has a second aperture. The holder is disposed through the second aperture of the backer board and beneath the first aperture of the tray. The flange of the holder is disposed between the tray and the backer board. The first aperture of the tray and an upper surface of the flange of the holder cooperate to form a shoulder surface for supporting the beverage container. A first adhesive is disposed between and abuts an upper surface of the upholstery material and the tray. A second adhesive is disposed between and abuts a lower surface of the upholstery material and the backer board. A third adhesive is disposed between and abuts the tray and the backer board. A fourth adhesive is disposed between and abuts an upper surface of the flange of the holder and the tray. A sealant is disposed between and abuts a lower surface of the flange and the backer board.

DRAWINGS

0011The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in the light of the drawings described hereafter.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a portable cushion tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, shown sitting on a couch and positioned with a cushion turned upwardly;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the portable cushion tray depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, shown sitting on the couch with the cushion turned downwardly, and further showing in dashed lines other possible locations for the portable cushion tray on the couch;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top plan view of the portable cushion tray depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the portable cushion tray taken along section line A-A in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an exploded side cross-sectional elevational view of the portable cushion tray shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, shown without adhesive;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top plan view of a cut out pattern for a cushion material for use with the portable cushion tray shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a top plan view of a portable cushion tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, further having a hinged door portion for selectively closing a compartment of the portable cushion tray;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a top plan view of a back board for use with the portable cushion tray shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a side elevational view of the portable cushion tray illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, and showing the hinged door portion in a closed position; and

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side cross-sectional elevational view of the portable cushion tray taken along section line B-B in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, and showing the hinged door portion in an open position to expose the underlying compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0022The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. In respect of the methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, is not necessary or critical.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref> show a portable cushion tray <b>2</b> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The portable cushion tray <b>2</b> includes both a tray <b>4</b> and a cushion <b>6</b>. The tray <b>4</b> may be formed from a durable material such as a wood, a plastic, a metal, or a composite material, as non-limiting examples. Skilled artisans may select other suitable materials for the tray <b>4</b>, as desired.

0024The tray <b>4</b> has a first maximum perimeter and the cushion <b>6</b> has a second maximum perimeter. The first maximum perimeter of the tray <b>4</b> may be defined by an edge of the tray <b>4</b>. The edge of the tray <b>4</b> may have any desired shape, for example, the edge of the tray <b>4</b> may be beveled. The first maximum perimeter is one of the same as the second maximum perimeter, and disposed inside of the second maximum perimeter. It should be understood that the first maximum perimeter of the tray <b>4</b> being disposed within the second maximum perimeter of the cushion <b>6</b> advantageously permits the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> to be used as both a pillow on one side (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), and as a working surface on another side (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), on a furniture piece <b>1</b> as part of a furniture system.

0025As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-5</figref>, the cushion <b>6</b> includes an upholstery material <b>8</b>. As nonlimiting examples, the upholstery material <b>8</b> may include one of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, and leather. Other types of materials for the upholstery material <b>8</b> may also be used within the scope of the disclosure. In particular embodiments, the upholstery material <b>8</b> is selected to match or complement the furniture piece <b>1</b> with which the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> is used.

0026The upholstery material <b>8</b> envelopes a filler <b>10</b> of the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>. In one example, the filler <b>10</b> is a polyfill. In another example, the filler <b>10</b> is a polymeric foam. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable types of materials for the filler <b>10</b>, as desired.

0027It should be appreciated that the filler <b>10</b> may not completely fill the cushion <b>6</b>. The cushion <b>6</b> thereby provides a self-leveling function to the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> as air from the cushion <b>6</b> is depleted when the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> is placed cushion-side down.

0028The portable cushion tray <b>2</b> of the present disclosure further includes a backer board <b>12</b>. The backer board <b>12</b> is disposed between the upholstery material <b>8</b> and the tray <b>4</b>. The backer board <b>12</b> has a third maximum perimeter that is one of the same as the first maximum perimeter of the tray <b>4</b> and disposed inside of the first maximum perimeter of the tray <b>4</b>. Likewise, the third maximum perimeter is also one of the same as the second maximum perimeter of the cushion <b>6</b> and disposed inside of the second maximum perimeter of the cushion <b>6</b>. Like the first maximum perimeter, the second maximum perimeter allows the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> to be used as a pillow.

0029Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the upholstery material <b>8</b> may be cut to a pattern that facilitates an affixing of edges of the upholstery material <b>8</b> so that the resulting cushion <b>6</b> may be folded up and over edges of the backer board <b>12</b>. Where the edges of the cushion <b>6</b> are folded up and over the edges the backer board <b>12</b>, covers strips (not shown) may be used for aesthetic reasons to cover the exposed edges of the cushion <b>6</b>. For example, where the backer board <b>12</b> has a substantially square or rectangular shape, the upholstery material <b>8</b> may be cut to provide four portions that can be upturned and hold the filler <b>10</b> when the edges of the four portions are affixed, for example, by sewing, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives.

0030With renewed reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-5</figref>, the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> is configured to hold at least one beverage container such as a cup, a can, a bottle, and a mug, as nonlimiting examples. As a further example, the tray <b>4</b> may include a first aperture <b>14</b> configured to hold the beverage container. The portable cushion tray <b>2</b> may further include a beverage container holder <b>16</b>. Although two holders <b>16</b> are shown in the drawings, it should be appreciated that only one holder <b>16</b> or more than two holders <b>16</b> may also be In one embodiment, the holder <b>16</b> may be a molded plastic cup, in which the beverage container may be received. In another embodiment, the holder <b>16</b> is formed integrally with the backer board <b>12</b>. The holder <b>16</b> may be formed from other suitable materials, as desired.

0031In a certain embodiment, the holder <b>16</b> may have an outwardly extending flange <b>18</b>. The backer board <b>12</b> may also have a second aperture <b>20</b> within which the holder <b>16</b> is disposed. Where the holder <b>16</b> is disposed in the second aperture <b>20</b> of the backer board <b>12</b>, and beneath the first aperture <b>14</b> of the tray <b>4</b>, the flange <b>18</b> of the holder <b>16</b> is disposed between the tray <b>4</b> and the backer board <b>12</b>. The flange <b>18</b> thereby secures the holder <b>16</b> within the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>.

0032The first aperture <b>14</b> of the tray <b>4</b> and an upper surface <b>22</b> of the flange <b>18</b> of the holder <b>16</b> can further cooperate to form a shoulder surface <b>24</b>. The shoulder surface <b>24</b> is configured to support another beverage container having a diameter larger than a diameter of the beverage container received by the holder <b>16</b> itself. It should be appreciated that the shoulder surface <b>24</b> permits the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> to receive two differently sized beverage containers. The shoulder surface <b>24</b> may be particularly suitable for receiving coffee mugs, for example, which may have a broader base than typical cups or cans that are received by the holder <b>16</b>. Skilled artisans may select suitable diameters and shapes for the first aperture <b>14</b> and the holder <b>16</b>, as desired.

0033In order to couple the various components of the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> together, it should be understood that various adhesives and mechanical fasteners may be employed. Suitable adhesives may include wood glues, acrylic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, and epoxy adhesives, as nonlimiting examples. Suitable mechanical fasteners may include nails, staples, screws, and rivets, as nonlimiting examples. The various adhesives and mechanical fasteners used throughout the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> may be the same or different for each other, within the scope of the present disclosure.

0034In a particular embodiment, a first adhesive <b>26</b> is disposed between and abuts an upper surface <b>28</b> of the upholstery material <b>8</b> and the tray <b>4</b>. A second adhesive <b>30</b> is disposed between and abuts a lower surface <b>32</b> of the upholstery material <b>8</b> and the backer board <b>12</b>. A third adhesive <b>34</b> is disposed between and abuts the tray <b>4</b> and the backer board <b>12</b>. It should be understood that each of the first adhesive <b>26</b> and the second adhesive <b>30</b> secures the holder <b>16</b> in place, as well as secures the upholstery material <b>8</b> to the tray <b>4</b>. The third adhesive <b>34</b> likewise secures the tray <b>4</b> to the backer board <b>12</b>. Each of the first adhesive <b>26</b>, the second adhesive <b>30</b>, and the third adhesive <b>34</b> may be provided as substantially continuous beads of adhesive, or as discontinuous or intermittent dots of adhesive, as desired.

0035Where the beverage container holder <b>16</b> is employed, a fourth adhesive <b>36</b> may be disposed between and abuts the upper surface <b>22</b> of the flange <b>18</b> of the holder <b>16</b> and the tray <b>4</b>. The fourth adhesive <b>36</b> secures the holder <b>16</b> within the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>. A sealant <b>40</b> is also disposed between and abuts a lower surface <b>42</b> of the flange <b>18</b> and the backer board <b>12</b>. The sealant <b>40</b> militates against a leakage into the cushion <b>6</b> of either fluid from the beverage container, or from condensation that may collect on the beverage container and run into the holder <b>16</b>. In one example, the sealant <b>40</b> is a silicone bead that circumscribes the holder <b>16</b> and prevents liquids from flowing through the second aperture <b>20</b>. One of ordinary skill in the art understands that other suitable types of the sealant <b>40</b> may also be employed.

0036Although various sizes and locations of the adhesives are shown in the drawings for purposes of illustrating the invention, it should be understood that the adhesives shown are not drawn to scale and that more or less adhesive may be used to hold together the various components of the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>, as desired.

0037In certain embodiments, the tray <b>4</b> of the portable cushion tray <b>2</b> has at least one elongate fluted joint <b>44</b> or groove formed therein. The elongate fluted joint <b>44</b> is configured to hold a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil. As an example, the elongate fluted join <b>44</b> is disposed between the at least one beverage container holder <b>16</b> and the first perimeter of the tray <b>4</b>. Other locations and numbers of the elongate fluted joint <b>44</b> may also be used, as desired.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-10</figref> show the portable cushion tray <b>102</b> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Like or related structure relative to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-10</figref>, has the same reference number but in a 100-series for purpose of clarity.

0039The portable cushion tray <b>102</b> includes the tray <b>104</b> and the cushion <b>106</b>. The tray <b>104</b> of the portable cushion tray <b>102</b> may include a door portion <b>146</b>. The door portion <b>146</b> may be coupled to the portable cushion tray <b>102</b> with at least one hinge <b>148</b>. For example, the door portion <b>146</b> may be selectively and hingedly lifted from the backer board <b>112</b>. At least one of the door portion <b>146</b> and the backer board <b>112</b> may also include a fastener <b>150</b> to selectively hold the door portion <b>146</b> in a closed position. The fastener <b>150</b> may include a magnet, a clasp, or any other suitable mechanical device for selectively holding the door portion <b>146</b> closed.

0040The portable cushion tray <b>102</b> may further include a hidden compartment <b>152</b>. The hidden compartment <b>152</b> is disposed beneath the door portion <b>146</b> of the tray <b>104</b> adjacent the at least one second aperture <b>120</b> of the backer board <b>112</b>, for example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. The hidden compartment <b>152</b> is configured to hold miscellaneous objects such as remote controls for household entertainment equipment.

0041In particular embodiments, the backer board <b>112</b> includes a third aperture <b>154</b> through which a miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> may be disposed. The miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> may define the hidden compartment <b>152</b> of the portable cushion tray <b>102</b>. Like the holder <b>116</b>, the miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> may include a flange <b>158</b>. The flange <b>158</b> may be disposed between the tray <b>104</b> and the backer board <b>112</b>. Where the miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> with the flange <b>158</b> is used, a fourth adhesive <b>160</b> may be disposed between and abut a lower surface <b>162</b> of the flange <b>158</b> of the miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> and the backer board <b>112</b>. The fourth adhesive <b>160</b> secures the miscellaneous holder <b>156</b> within the portable cushion tray <b>102</b>.

0042Cover strips (not shown) may also be disposed over the exposed edges of the flange <b>158</b> for reasons of aesthetics. The cover strips may also be disposed over exposed edges of the cushion <b>106</b>, also for reasons of aesthetics. Suitable adhesives or mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the cover strips, as desired.

0043Advantageously, the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>, <b>102</b> of the disclosure can be used for a multitude of applications. As nonlimiting examples, the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>, <b>102</b> can be used on a couch, a loveseat, floors, laps, in vehicles, camping, or anywhere else desired. The portable cushion tray <b>2</b>, <b>102</b> can also be used as a food tray, an armrest, a drink holder, a reading and writing surface, a laptop holder, a coloring surface, and for crafts. Importantly, the portable cushion tray <b>2</b>, <b>102</b> can be flipped over and used as a cushion, an armrest, or a headrest. It is also lightweight, easy to carry, easy to use, and easy to store

0044While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.